CN114502223B

CN114502223B - Holder for an inhaler product

Info

Publication number: CN114502223B
Application number: CN202080070227.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·坎皮特利; F·莫森尼
Original assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Current assignee: Philip Morris Products SA
Priority date: 2019-10-25
Filing date: 2020-10-23
Publication date: 2024-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2040-10-23
Also published as: EP4048355A1; BR112022005554A2; US20220379053A1; MX2022004879A; CA3149242A1; EP4048355C0; AU2020370228A1; JP2022553634A; WO2021079345A1; HUE062907T2; KR20220090501A; IL292277A; EP4048355B1; CN114502223A; PL4048355T3; ES2956467T3; ZA202201778B

Abstract

The invention provides a holder for an inhaler product, the holder comprising a housing for receiving a housing cavity of the inhaler product and a sleeve configured to retain the inhaler product within the housing cavity. The sleeve includes a sleeve cavity and is movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The sleeve includes a first open end and a second opposite end. The first open end is configured to receive an inhaler product and the second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to induce a vortex on the air entering the sleeve cavity.

Description

Holder for an inhaler product

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a holder for an inhaler product and an inhaler system comprising the holder and the inhaler product. The holder is configured to generate a swirling inhalation airflow and to transmit the swirling airflow to the inhaler product during consumption.

Background

Dry powder inhalers are not always well suited to provide dry powder particles to the lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate that is within the inhalation rate or airflow rate of conventional smoking means. The operation of the dry powder inhaler may be complex or may involve moving parts. Dry powder inhalers generally seek to provide an entire dry powder dose or capsule loading in a single breath.

It is desirable to provide an inhaler system that minimizes complex components, in particular with respect to the inhaler articles of the inhaler system. It is desirable to provide an inhaler system that efficiently depletes a particle capsule during consumption. It is desirable to provide a holder for an inhaler product that introduces a swirling inhalation airflow into the inhaler product.

It is desirable to provide a holder for an inhaler product that activates and holds the inhaler product during consumption. It is desirable to provide an inhaler system comprising a low profile and reusable holder for an inhaler product, which holder can activate the inhaler product. It is desirable to provide a nicotine powder inhaler that provides nicotine particles to the lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate that is within the inhalation rate or airflow rate of conventional smoking means. It is also desirable to deliver nicotine powder by means of an inhaler product having a form similar to a conventional cigarette.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a holder for an inhaler product. The holder is configured to direct a swirling inhalation airflow to the inhaler product during consumption. The holder and the inhaler article may form an inhaler system to which the present disclosure also relates.

According to an aspect of the invention, a holder for an inhaler product comprises a housing for receiving a housing cavity of the inhaler product and a sleeve configured to hold the inhaler product within the housing cavity. The sleeve includes a sleeve cavity and is movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The sleeve includes a first open end and a second opposite end. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity. The second, opposite end of the sleeve is configured to induce a vortex in air entering the sleeve cavity.

According to an aspect of the invention, a holder for an inhaler product comprises a housing for receiving a housing cavity of the inhaler product and a sleeve configured to hold the inhaler product within the housing cavity. The sleeve includes a sleeve cavity and is movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The sleeve includes a first open end and a second opposite end. The first open end is configured to receive an inhaler product and the second opposite end of the sleeve comprises a tubular member having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity and at least one air inlet. At least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity and induce a swirling airflow pattern in the air entering the sleeve cavity.

Advantageously, incorporating the vortex generating structure into a reusable holder may simplify the construction of the inhaler article and reduce the complexity of the inhaler system. An inhaler product that receives a swirling inhalation airflow may be easier to manufacture and have a simpler construction than an inhaler product that must include structures that cause or create a swirling inhalation airflow. Simpler inhaler articles may also impose less environmental burden.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may include a tubular member having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The second opposite end may include at least one air inlet that allows air to enter the central passage. The air entering the central passage may be air outside the sleeve. The at least one air inlet may extend in a direction tangential to the central passage. The tubular element may comprise at least two air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The tubular element may comprise at least three air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. Preferably, the at least one air inlet extends in a transverse direction of the sleeve. The transverse direction of the sleeve is a direction orthogonal or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction defined by the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is cylindrical. These tangential air inlets cooperate with the suction airflow to create or induce a swirling or swirling airflow pattern into the central passage of the tubular member. Once the inhaler product is received in the sleeve and tubular elements of the holder, this swirling or vortex airflow pattern is transmitted through the inhaler product and out the mouth end of the inhaler product.

Advantageously, the tangential suction airflow entering the tubular element induces a rotating or swirling airflow within the central passage. Such a rotating or swirling air flow may be provided or transmitted into a capsule cavity of an inhaler product received within a sleeve of a holder. The spinning or swirling airflow causes the capsules contained within the capsule cavity to spin and release particles into the spinning or swirling airflow to the consumer.

The tubular element defining the central passage may extend into the sleeve cavity and may form an annular recess, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to receive a distal end of the inhaler product. The tubular element defining the central passage may extend into the sleeve cavity and form an annular recess, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to hold a distal end of the inhaler product. The tubular element defining the central passage may be configured to extend into the distal end of the inhaler product received within the sleeve cavity. Substantially all of the intake air enters the tubular member in a direction tangential to the central passage.

Advantageously, providing features on the second opposite end of the sleeve that cooperate with a received inhaler product may improve a reliable airflow connection from the vortex sensing sleeve to the inhaler product received in the sleeve. The interference fit may also provide a secure engagement of the inhaler product received in the sleeve such that the inhaler product does not fall out of the sleeve or associated holder.

The retainer may further include a piercing element secured to and extending from the housing inner surface. The piercing element is configured to extend through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the sleeve cavity along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

The retainer may further comprise a spring element configured to bias the sleeve away from the piercing element. The sleeve may include an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeve. The housing may also include a pin extending from an inner surface of the housing cavity. The pin may be configured to mate with the elongated slot.

The sleeve may define a first air inlet zone having at least one air aperture therethrough. The first air inlet region is proximate the first open end of the sleeve. The first air inlet region may be configured to allow air to flow to an airflow passage formed between the sleeve and the housing. The sleeve includes a second air inlet region downstream of the first air inlet region. The second air inlet region includes a second opposite end of the sleeve configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity.

According to another aspect of the invention, an inhaler system comprises a holder for an inhaler product as described herein and an inhaler product. The sleeve of the holder holds the inhaler product received in the sleeve cavity. The inhaler article includes a body extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis from a mouth end to a distal end. The capsule is disposed within the inhaler product body.

Advantageously, the reusable holder that causes the rotating or swirling airflow reduces the complexity of the associated consumable inhaler product. This may reduce the overall manufacturing costs of these inhaler systems and may increase the reliability or efficiency of capsule depletion.

The capsule is retained within the capsule cavity and is configured to receive a swirling inhalation airflow formed by a second opposite end of the sleeve. The capsule cavity is delimited downstream by the filter element and upstream by the open tubular element.

The inhaler product opening tubular element cooperates with a second opposite end of the sleeve tubular element. The mouth end of the inhaler product may form the mouth end of the inhaler system.

Advantageously, an inhaler system in which the inhaler product has an open distal end that receives and transmits a rotational or swirling airflow from the holder to the capsule cavity to cause rotation of the capsule within the inhaler product may reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the inhaler system and may improve reliable depletion of the capsule during consumption. Each time a consumable inhaler product is replaced with a fresh inhaler product, the replaceable consumable inhaler product provides a clean mouthpiece.

Advantageously, the inhaler system provides an inhaler system that minimizes moving parts. Advantageously, the inhaler system utilizes a separate holder that directs a rotating or swirling airflow to the inhaler product received within the holder. This may allow the holder to be reusable and the inhaler product to be discarded after a single use. Advantageously, the inhaler system effectively provides nicotine particles to the lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate that is within the inhalation rate or airflow rate of conventional smoking means. The inhaler delivers nicotine powder by means of an inhaler product having a form similar to a conventional cigarette. The inhaler systems described herein can provide dry powder to the lungs at an inhalation rate or airflow rate within the inhalation rate or airflow rate of conventional smoking means. The consumer may perform multiple inhalations or "puffs" each of which delivers a small amount of the dry powder contained in the capsule contained within the capsule cavity. The inhaler article may have a form similar to a conventional cigarette and may simulate conventional smoking. The inhaler article may be easy to manufacture and convenient for consumer use.

Air flow management through the capsule cavity of the inhaler product may cause the capsule contained therein to rotate during inhalation and consumption. The capsule may contain particles comprising nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles"), and optionally particles comprising flavour (also referred to as "flavour particles"). Rotation of the pierced capsule may be paused and the nicotine particles released from the pierced capsule into the inhalation air moving through the inhaler product are atomized. The flavour particles may be larger than the nicotine particles and may assist in delivering the nicotine particles into the lungs of the user while the flavour particles are preferentially retained in the oral or buccal spaces of the user. The nicotine particles and optionally the flavour particles may be delivered with the inhaler article at an inhalation rate or airflow rate that is within the inhalation rate or airflow rate of conventional smoking means.

The term "nicotine" refers to nicotine and nicotine derivatives, such as free base nicotine, nicotine salts and the like.

The term "flavour" or "flavour" refers to a sensory compound, composition or material that alters and aims at altering the taste or aroma characteristics of nicotine during its consumption or inhalation.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative positions of the described holders, inhaler articles and components of the inhaler system with respect to the direction of the inhalation airflow as it passes through the holders, inhaler articles and the body of the inhaler system.

The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe the relative positions of the holder, the inhaler product, or a component or part of a component of the system. The holder or element (such as a sleeve) forming the holder according to the invention has: a proximal end which in use receives an inhaler product; and an opposing distal end, which may be a closed end, or an end having a proximal end that is closer to the retainer. The inhaler article according to the invention has a proximal end. In use, nicotine particles leave the proximal end of the inhaler article for delivery to a user. The inhaler article has a distal end opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the inhaler product may also be referred to as the mouth end.

The holders for inhaler devices described herein may be combined with an inhaler product containing a capsule for activating the inhaler product by piercing the capsule, providing reliable activation of the capsule within the inhaler product (by piercing the capsule with the piercing element of the holder), and releasing the particles contained within the capsule and enabling the product to deliver the particles to the consumer. The holder is separate from the inhaler product, but the consumer can utilize both the inhaler product and the holder while consuming the particles released within the inhaler product. A plurality of these inhaler articles may be combined with a holder to form a system or kit. A single holder may be used on 10 or more, or 25 or more, or 50 or more, or 100 or more inhaler articles to activate (pierce or puncture) the capsules contained within each inhaler article and provide a reliable activation and optionally a visual indication (indicium) of each inhaler article for activation of the inhaler article.

A holder for an inhaler product includes a housing for receiving a housing cavity of the inhaler product and a sleeve configured to retain the inhaler product within the housing cavity. The sleeve includes a sleeve cavity and is movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The sleeve includes a first open end and a second opposite end. The second opposite end of the sleeve is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity. The second, opposite end of the sleeve is configured to induce a vortex in air entering the sleeve cavity.

The inhaler system comprises an inhaler product and a holder for the inhaler product as described herein. The sleeve of the holder holds the inhaler product received in the sleeve cavity. The inhaler article includes a body extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis from a mouth end to a distal end. The capsule is disposed within the inhaler product body.

As described herein, the method comprises inserting an inhaler product into a sleeve of a holder for the inhaler product. The inhaler article includes a body extending a body length along an inhaler longitudinal axis from a mouth end to a distal end, and the capsule is disposed within the inhaler article body. The inhaler product and the sleeve are then moved towards the piercing element until the piercing element pierces the capsule. Air is then drawn into a second, opposite end of the sleeve of the holder to create a swirling intake air flow. This swirling inhalation airflow is then transferred into the inhaler product when the inhaler product is arranged in a holder for the inhaler product. The consumed inhaler product can then be removed from the holder and disposed of. Fresh inhaler product can then be inserted into the holder and the method can be repeated.

The inhaler article is configured to receive the swirling inhalation airflow directly into the distal end of the inhaler article. The swirling inhalation airflow then continues downstream into the capsule cavity and induces rotation of the capsule received in the capsule cavity. The activated capsule then releases a quantity of particles into the downstream swirling inhalation airflow through the mouthpiece to the consumer. The distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product comprises an open aperture defining an open central channel of the open tubular element. Thus, a swirling inhalation airflow is generated upstream of the inhaler product, and enters the distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product.

The inhaler article includes a body extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis from a mouth end to a distal end. A capsule cavity is defined within the body, downstream by the filter element, and upstream by the open tubular element defining the central passage. The central passage forms an open air inlet aperture extending from the distal end of the body to the balloon. The capsule is disposed within the capsule cavity, wherein the central passage has a smaller diameter than the capsule. Thus, the capsule cannot pass through the central channel, but is held within the capsule cavity.

The second opposite end of the sleeve defines a vortex generating element configured to generate a vortex or a rotating intake airflow. Such swirling or rotating inhalation airflow may be delivered into the inhaler product to rotate the capsule and release the dry powder contained within the capsule.

The second opposite end of the sleeve includes a tubular member having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity. The second opposite end of the sleeve has at least one air inlet for admitting air into the central passage. The at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may have at least two air inlets allowing air into the central passage. The at least two air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may have two air inlets allowing air into the central passage. The two air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may have at least three air inlets allowing air into the central passage. The at least three air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may have three air inlets allowing air into the central passage. The three air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The second opposite end of the sleeve may have four air inlets allowing air into the central passage. The four air inlets extend in a direction tangential to the central passage.

The tubular element may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing. The tubular member may be coaxial with the sleeve lumen. The tubular element may be coaxial with both the longitudinal axis of the housing and the sleeve cavity.

The tubular member having the central passage may have a diameter in the range of about 30% to about 70% of the diameter of the sleeve lumen. The tubular member having the central passage may have a diameter in the range of about 40% to about 60% of the diameter of the sleeve lumen.

A tubular element having a central passage may extend into the sleeve cavity and form an annular recess, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to receive a distal end of the inhaler product. A tubular element having a central passage may extend into the sleeve cavity and form an annular recess, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to hold a distal end of an inhaler product.

The tubular element having the central passage may extend into the distal end of the inhaler product received within the sleeve cavity. The annular recess may be configured to hold a distal end of an inhaler product having an interference fit.

At least a portion of the tubular element having a central passage is located upstream of the inhaler product received in the sleeve. Preferably, the tubular element with the central passage is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the received inhaler product.

The sleeve tubular element having the central passage may be sized to cooperate with the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element defining the central passage. The sleeve tubular element having a central passage may abut the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element defining the central passage. The sleeve tubular element having a central passage may be interlocked with the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element defining the central passage. A sleeve tubular element having a central passage may fit within the inhaler product distal tubular element defining the central passage. The sleeve tubular member central passage may have an inner diameter in the range of about 3mm to about 5mm or about 4 mm.

The sleeve tubular element having the central passage may comprise at least one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The tubular element may comprise at least two air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The tubular element may comprise at least three air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage.

One or more air inlets may extend through a sidewall forming an opposite second end of the sleeve. The one or more air inlets may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve or housing. The one or more air inlets may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element having the central passage.

The sleeve tubular element having the central passage may comprise one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The sleeve tubular element with the central passage may comprise two air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The sleeve tubular element with the central passage may comprise three air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage. The sleeve tubular element with the central passage may comprise four air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage.

Preferably, the at least one air inlet enters the central passage at an inner diameter of the tubular element defining the inner diameter or periphery of the central passage. Preferably, at least two air inlets enter the central passage at an inner diameter of the tubular element defining the inner diameter or periphery of the central passage. Preferably, the at least three air inlets enter the central passage at an inner diameter of the tubular element defining the inner diameter or periphery of the central passage. Preferably, the four air inlets enter the central passage at the inner diameter of the tubular element defining the inner diameter or periphery of the central passage.

Preferably, the two or more air inlets are equally spaced from each other around the circumference of the central passage.

At least one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passage enters the central passage proximate an end face defining the distal end of the sleeve. The expression "one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central channel" may refer to any part of the air inlet following a direction of an imaginary line that touches the edge or boundary of the central channel at a certain point but does not intersect it. The end face forms a substantially closed end surface through which only the piercing element is allowed to extend. The end faces extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The end face prevents the flow of inhaled air out through the distal end of the sleeve. The end face directs the intake air toward the sleeve cavity.

Preferably, at least one air inlet extending in a direction tangential to the central passage enters a tubular element having a central passage at an end face. Capsule depletion is improved when the tangential air inlet is closer to the end face of the central passage.

The tubular element may be of unitary construction, wherein the sleeve (i.e. integral with the sleeve) is configured to retain the inhaler product within the housing cavity. The tubular element may form part of a second opposite end of the sleeve. The tubular member and sleeve may be formed by an injection molding process. The tubular member and sleeve may be formed simultaneously with the injection molding process.

A tubular member having a central passage may extend or protrude into the sleeve cavity. The tubular element with the central passage may have an outer surface with an outer diameter facing the inner surface of the sleeve. The inner surface of the sleeve defines a sleeve cavity.

The tubular member having the central passage may extend into the sleeve lumen a distance in the range of about 2mm to about 10mm, or about 3mm to about 7mm, or about 4mm to about 6mm, or about 5mm. In these and other embodiments, the outer diameter of the tubular member with the central passage may be in the range of about 4 to about 6.5mm, or about 5 to about 6mm, or about 5 to about 5.5mm, or preferably about 5.25mm. At least a portion of the tubular element having a central passage may be inserted into the received inhaler product. Preferably, at least 50% of the tubular element with the central passage can be inserted into the received inhaler product.

The tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may form an annular recess, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to receive the distal end of the inhaler product. The tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may form an annular protrusion, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to be received by the distal end of the inhaler product. The tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may form an annular recess and an annular protrusion, wherein the sleeve cavity is configured to receive the distal end of the inhaler product.

The distal end of the inhaler article may be configured to mate with an annular recess formed by a tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity. The distal end of the inhaler article may be configured to mate with an annular protrusion formed by a tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity. The distal end of the inhaler article may be configured to mate with an annular recess and annular protrusion formed by a tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity. The tubular element having the central passage may be configured to extend into the distal end of the inhaler product received within the sleeve cavity.

An annular projection formed by a tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may be fitted or slid into the received inhaler product distal end opening tubular element. An annular protrusion formed by a tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may fit within the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element. The annular protrusion formed by the tubular element having a central passage extending into the sleeve cavity may form an interference fit within the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element. Thus, the central channel of the sleeve tubular element with the central channel can be fitted into the inhaler product distal end opening tubular element with the central channel.

A holder for an inhaler product may comprise a piercing element configured to pierce or activate a capsule within the inhaler product. The piercing element may be secured to and extend from the housing inner surface. The piercing element may be configured to extend through an end face of the second opposing surface of the sleeve and into the sleeve cavity along the longitudinal axis of the housing.

The piercing element may extend through an aperture in an end face of the sleeve. The piercing element may extend through a resealable element in the end face of the sleeve. The resealable element may form an airtight seal or barrier at the end face of the sleeve when the piercing element is not within the resealable element. The piercing element may extend through an aperture in an end face of the sleeve and substantially block airflow through the aperture.

The piercing element may pass through the end face and pierce the capsule within the capsule cavity. If a resealable element is present in the piercing element, the resealable element may reseal once the piercing element is retracted or removed from the resealable element. The resealable element or membrane may comprise a diaphragm or diaphragm-type element. The resealable element or membrane may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, silicone, metal foil or latex co-laminated with a polymer, or the like, or cellulose acetate tow, such as high density cellulose acetate tow.

The piercing element may be secured to the housing inner surface and extend from the housing inner surface along the piercing element longitudinal axis to a piercing element length within the housing cavity. The piercing element may be recessed a recessed distance from the open proximal end of the housing.

The distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product may contact the second opposite end of the sleeve and urge the sleeve towards the piercing element. The sleeve may be coaxial with the piercing element. The sleeve may be aligned with the inhaler product such that the piercing element reliably activates the capsule within the inhaler product. The sleeve or holder may also mechanically hold the piercing element and support the piercing element to prevent or mitigate deflection of the piercing element.

The sleeve may define a first air inlet zone including at least one air aperture therethrough. The first air inlet zone may comprise two or more, three or more, four or more, or from about 1 to about 10 air orifices, or from about 3 to about 9 air orifices. The first air inlet region is proximate the first open end of the sleeve. The first air inlet region is configured to allow air to flow to an airflow passage formed between the sleeve and the housing.

The sleeve may include a second air inlet region downstream of the first air inlet region. The second air inlet region includes a second opposite end of the sleeve configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity. The second air inlet region may comprise one, two or more, three or more or four or more air orifices which direct inlet air or suction air into the second opposite end of the sleeve in a tangential direction to the central passage of the tubular member to form a swirling suction airstream.

The retainer may include a retaining ring element secured to the open proximal end of the housing. The retaining ring element retains the sleeve within the inhaler product chamber. The retaining ring has a thickness sufficient to stop or retain movement of the sleeve within the inhaler product cavity of the holder.

The retainer may include a spring element configured to bias the sleeve toward the open proximal end of the housing or away from the piercing element between a relaxed (or undeformed) state and a compressed (or deformed) state. The spring element may be contained within the housing cavity of the holder and compressed when the movable sleeve and the inhaler product are moved towards the piercing element. The spring element may be located between the sleeve and the closed end of the housing and contact the sleeve and the closed end of the housing. The spring element may be arranged around the piercing element. The spring element may be coaxial with the piercing element. The spring element may be a conical spring.

The spring element may be secured to the distal end and the closed end of the holder. The spring element may be secured to a second opposite end of the sleeve. The spring element may be secured to both the closed end of the holder and the second opposite end of the sleeve. The spring element may be a conical spring. The conical spring may advantageously provide a low profile or thinner design, such that it may provide a more flexible design and a smaller overall compressed thickness. The provision of a conical spring may also advantageously reduce the likelihood of the spring buckling when compressed, as compared to a cylindrical spring.

Once the piercing element activates the inhaler product, the spring element biases the inhaler product away from and away from the piercing element. The spring element may be arranged around the piercing element. The spring element may be coaxial with the piercing element. The piercing element may extend beyond the spring element when the spring element is in the relaxed position. The piercing element may extend beyond the spring element when the spring element is in the compressed position. The piercing element may extend beyond the spring element when the spring element is in both the relaxed and compressed positions. The piercing element may extend beyond the spring element when the sleeve compresses the spring element.

The sleeve may include an elongated slot extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeve. When the sleeve includes an elongated slot, the housing may further include an alignment pin extending from an inner surface of the housing cavity. The alignment pin may be configured to mate with the elongated slot. Advantageously, the elongated slot and alignment pin provide a reliable path of movement between the relaxed position and the compressed position.

The holder may comprise a marking element extending into the cavity of the inhaler product. The marking element may be configured to mark a surface of the inhaler article. The marking element may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the holder or the inhaler product. The marking element may be configured to mechanically mark an outer surface of the inhaler article. For example, the marking element may be configured to scrape, cut, abrade, score, fold or bend the outer surface of the inhaler article. The marking element may have a sharp end configured to scrape the outer surface of the inhaler when received within the inhaler product cavity. The marking element may apply a colour to the outer surface of the inhaler when received within the cavity of the inhaler product. The marking element may mark the outer surface of the inhaler when the piercing element penetrates a capsule provided in the inhaler product. Thus, an indication is made that the inhaler product has been activated and can be consumed by the user. This may also advantageously prevent the user from attempting to reuse an inhaler product that has been previously activated.

The marking element may extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the holder or the inhaler product. The marker element may be formed of a rigid material configured to provide a visual indication that the marker element has contacted an exterior surface of the inhaler. The marker element may be fixed to the holder housing. As described above, the marking element may form an alignment pin.

The marker element may extend through at least a portion of the thickness of the retainer. The marker element may extend through the sleeve. The marking element may extend into the inhaler product chamber and into the sleeve. The marking element may extend beyond at least the marking distance of the sleeve such that the marking element contacts the inhaler outer surface when the inhaler product is received within the inhaler product cavity. The marking element may be aligned with and cooperate with the elongate slot of the sleeve.

Recessing the piercing element into the housing may prevent the piercing element from contacting surfaces that are not intended to be received within the piercing element. Recessing the piercing element into the housing may also protect the piercing element from damage or modification by surfaces not intended to be received within the piercing element.

The piercing element may be recessed from the open proximal end by any suitable recessed distance. For example, the piercing element may be recessed from the open proximal end by a recessed distance of at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 35%, or at least about 40% of the length of the housing. The penetration element may be recessed from the open proximal end by a recessed distance in the range of about 5% to about 50%, or about 10% to about 40%, or about 15% to about 40%, or about 20% to about 40% of the length of the housing.

The piercing element length may be any suitable length relative to the housing length. For example, the piercing element length may be about 25% to about 60%, or about 30% to about 50% of the housing length. The distal end of the piercing element may be secured to the distal end at or near the distal end of the housing. The entire length of the piercing element may be coextensive within the length of the housing.

The housing inner surface has an open proximal diameter and a distal diameter. The distal diameter may be smaller than the open proximal diameter. The housing inner surface diameter may taper from an open proximal diameter to a distal diameter. The diameter of the inner surface of the housing may be reduced by any suitable amount. For example, the housing inner surface diameter may taper in the range of about 3% to about 13%, or about 5% to about 10%, of the housing inner diameter at the proximal end.

The piercing element is formed of a rigid material. The rigid material is sufficiently rigid to pierce, puncture or activate the capsules contained within the inhaler product. The piercing element may be formed of metal. The piercing element may be formed of stainless steel, such as 316 stainless steel. The piercing element may be formed of a polymeric material. The piercing element may be formed of a fiber reinforced polymeric material.

The housing may be formed of any rigid material. The housing may be formed of a polymeric material. Polymeric materials that may be used to form the housing include polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, styrene-acrylonitrile, polyacrylate, polystyrene, PBT polyester, PET polyester, polyoxymethylene, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, or liquid crystal polymer.

The inhaler product may be received in the holder such that the inhaler product outer surface and the holder housing outer surface are concentric. The piercing element longitudinal axis may be coaxial with the housing longitudinal axis and the inhaler longitudinal axis when the inhaler article is received in the holder. At least about 50% or at least about 75% of the housing length is coextensive with the inhaler length when the inhaler article is received in the holder.

The retainer may be formed by insert molding techniques. For example, the piercing element may be formed by molding first, and then the housing may be molded around the piercing element to adhere to the piercing element. The piercing element may be a metal piercing element and the housing may be molded around the metal piercing element to secure the metal piercing element to the housing. The metal piercing element may include a protrusion or recess at the distal end of the piercing element to increase the surface area of the distal end of the piercing element and improve fixation within the housing molding material.

The inhaler product associated with the holder described above is configured to receive a swirling inhalation airflow directly into the distal end of the inhaler product. The swirling inhalation airflow continues downstream into the capsule cavity and induces rotation of a capsule received or located in the capsule cavity. The activated capsule releases a quantity of particles into the downstream swirling inhalation airflow through the mouthpiece to the consumer. The distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product comprises an open tubular element defining an open central channel. Thus, a swirling inhalation airflow is generated upstream of the inhaler product and enters the distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product and is transferred into the capsule cavity to rotate or spin the capsule located within the capsule cavity.

The inhaler article includes a body extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis from a mouth end to a distal end. A capsule cavity is defined within the body, downstream by the filter element, and upstream by the open tubular element defining the central passage. The central passage forms an open air inlet aperture extending from the distal end of the body to the balloon. The capsule is disposed within the capsule cavity, wherein the central passage has a smaller diameter than the capsule.

The inhaler body may be similar in size and shape to a smoking article or cigarette. The inhaler body may have an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis of the inhaler article. The inhaler body may have a substantially uniform outer diameter along the length of the elongate body. The inhaler body may have a circular cross-section that may be uniform along the length of the elongate body. The outer diameter of the inhaler body may be in the range of about 6mm to about 10mm, or about 7mm to about 9mm, or about 7mm to about 8mm, or about 7.2mm. The length (along the longitudinal axis) of the inhaler body may be in the range of about 40mm to about 80mm, or about 40mm to about 70mm, or about 40mm to about 50mm, or 45mm.

The inhaler article has an open distal or most upstream end defined by an open tubular element defining an open central passage. The open central channel defines a cylindrical open aperture extending from the capsule cavity to an open distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product. The length of the open tubular element defining the open central channel may have a length in the range of about 3mm to about 12mm or about 3mm to about 7mm or about 4mm to about 6mm, or 5mm.

The central channel may have a uniform inner diameter or opening diameter extending from the capsule cavity to the open distal or most upstream end of the inhaler product. The central passage may have an inner diameter that is at least about 50%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 75% of the diameter of the distal end of the body. The central passage may have a uniform inner diameter or opening diameter in the range of about 3mm to about 6.5mm, or about 4mm to about 6mm, or about 5mm to about 6mm, or about 5.5 mm.

The open tubular element defining the open central channel may be formed of cellulosic material. The open tubular element defining the open central passage may be formed of a cellulose acetate material. Preferably, the open tubular element is formed of a biodegradable material. The open tubular element defining the open central channel may have a thickness in the range of about 0.5mm to about 1.5mm or about 0.5mm to about 1 mm.

A filter element located downstream of the capsule cavity may extend from the capsule cavity to the mouth end of the inhaler product. The filter element may have a length in the range of about 10mm to about 30mm, preferably about 15mm to about 25mm, and more preferably about 20mm to about 22 mm.

The capsule cavity may be defined by an inhaler product opening tubular element. The open tubular element may be joined between and in abutting alignment with the tubular element forming the distal end of the inhaler product and the filter element. These elements may be engaged with the wrapper. The open tubular element defining the capsule cavity may be formed of a biodegradable material, such as cardboard or paperboard.

The capsule cavity may have an inner diameter in the range of about 6mm to about 7mm or about 6.5mm to about 6.7 mm. The capsule cavity may have a lateral length in the range of about 15mm to about 30mm or about 20mm to about 25 mm.

The capsule cavity may define a cylindrical space configured to house a capsule (e.g., the capsule may have an oblong or circular cross-section). The capsule cavity may have a substantially uniform or consistent diameter along the length of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity may have a fixed cavity length. The capsule cavity has a cavity inner diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and the capsule has a capsule outer diameter. The capsule cavity may be sized to contain an oblong capsule. The capsule cavity may have a substantially cylindrical or cylindrical cross-section along the length of the capsule cavity. The capsule cavity may have a uniform inner diameter. The outer diameter of the capsule may be about 80% to about 95% of the inner diameter of the capsule cavity. The configuration of the capsule cavity relative to the capsule may facilitate limited movement of the capsule during activation or piercing of the capsule.

The capsule cavity may be defined by an open tubular element. The open tubular element may be joined between and in abutting alignment with the open tubular element forming the distal end of the inhaler product and the filter element. These elements may be engaged with the wrapper. The open tubular element defining the capsule cavity may be formed of a biodegradable material, such as cardboard or paperboard.

The configuration of the capsule cavity relative to the capsule may promote stable rotation of the capsule within the capsule cavity. During inhalation, the longitudinal axis of the capsule may rotate steadily coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body. The configuration of the capsule cavity relative to the capsule may facilitate rotation of the capsule with some sloshing within the capsule cavity.

Stable rotation means that the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body is substantially parallel to or coaxial with the rotational axis of the capsule. Stable rotation may refer to rotation of the capsule without travel. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the inhaler body may be substantially coextensive with the axis of rotation of the capsule. The stable rotation of the capsule may uniformly entrain a portion of the nicotine particles from the capsule upon two or more, or five or more, or ten or more "puffs" or inhalations by the consumer.

The capsule may be sealed within the inhaler product prior to consumption. The inhaler product may be contained within a sealed or airtight container or bag. The inhaler article may comprise one or more peelable or removable sealing layers for covering one or more air inlet channels or air outlets or mouthpieces of the inhaler article.

The capsule may rotate about its longitudinal or central axis as air flows through the inhaler product. The capsule may be formed of an airtight material that is pierceable or pierced by a piercing element, which may be separate or combined with the inhaler. The capsule may be formed of a metal or polymeric material that serves to keep the capsule from contamination and that may be pierced or punctured by a piercing element prior to consuming the nicotine particles within the capsule. The capsule may be formed from a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The capsule may be a size 1 to size 4 capsule, or a size 3 capsule.

As described herein, the separate retainers form a single aperture through a capsule received in the capsule cavity.

The capsule contains pharmaceutically active particles. The pharmaceutically active particles may comprise nicotine (also referred to as "nicotine powder" or "nicotine particles"), and optionally particles comprising flavour (also referred to as "flavour particles"). The capsule may contain a predetermined amount of nicotine particles and optionally flavour particles. The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide at least 2 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 5 inhalations or "puffs", or at least about 10 inhalations or "puffs". The capsule may contain enough nicotine particles to provide from about 5 to about 50 inhalations or "puffs", or from about 10 to about 30 inhalations or "puffs". Each inhalation or "puff" may deliver from about 0.1mg to about 3mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or from about 0.2mg to about 2mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs, or from about 1mg of nicotine particles to the user's lungs.

The nicotine particles may have any suitable nicotine concentration, depending on the particular formulation used. The nicotine particles may have at least about 1% wt nicotine up to about 30% wt nicotine, or about 2% wt to about 25% wt nicotine, or about 3% wt to about 20% wt nicotine, or about 4% wt to about 15% wt nicotine, or about 5% wt to about 13% wt nicotine. Preferably, about 50 to about 150 micrograms of nicotine may be delivered to the user's lungs per inhalation or "puff".

The capsule may contain or contain at least about 5mg of nicotine particles or at least about 10mg of nicotine particles. The capsule may contain or contain less than about 900mg nicotine particles, or less than about 300mg nicotine particles, or less than 150mg nicotine particles. The capsule may contain or contain from about 5mg to about 300mg of nicotine particles or from about 10mg to about 200mg of nicotine particles.

When the flavor particles are blended or combined with the nicotine particles within the capsule, the flavor particles may be present in an amount that provides the desired flavor to each inhalation or "puff" delivered to the user.

The nicotine particles may have any useful particle size distribution to preferably deliver inhalation into the lungs of a user. The capsule may comprise particles other than nicotine particles. The nicotine particles and other particles may form a powder system.

The capsule may contain or contain at least about 5mg of dry powder (also referred to as a powder system) or at least about 10mg of dry powder. The capsule may contain or contain less than about 900mg of dry powder, or less than about 300mg of dry powder, or less than about 150mg of dry powder. The capsule may contain or contain from about 5mg to about 300mg of dry powder, or from about 10mg to about 200mg of dry powder, or from about 25mg to about 100mg of dry powder.

The dry powder or powder system may have at least about 40 wt%, or at least about 60 wt%, or at least about 80 wt% of the powder system included in nicotine particles having a particle size of about 5 microns or less, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 5 microns.

The particles comprising nicotine may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 5 microns or less, or in the range of about 0.5 microns to about 4 microns, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 3 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 2.5 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor.

The particles comprising the perfume may have a mass median aerodynamic diameter of about 20 microns or greater, or about 50 microns or greater, or in the range of about 50 to about 200 microns, or in the range of about 50 to about 150 microns. Preferably, the mass median aerodynamic diameter is measured using a cascade impactor.

The average diameter of the dry powder may be about 60 microns or less, or in the range of about 1 micron to about 40 microns, or in the range of about 1.5 microns to about 25 microns. The average diameter refers to the average diameter per unit mass, and is preferably measured by laser diffraction, laser diffusion, or electron microscopy.

The nicotine in the powder system or nicotine particles may be a pharmaceutically acceptable free base nicotine or nicotine salt or nicotine hydrate salt. Suitable nicotine salts or nicotine hydrated salts include, for example, nicotine pyruvate, nicotine citrate, nicotine aspartate, nicotine lactate, nicotine bitartrate, nicotine salicylate, nicotine fumarate, nicotine monoacetonate, nicotine glutamate, or nicotine hydrochloride. The compound that forms a salt or hydrated salt in combination with nicotine may be selected based on its intended pharmacological effect.

Preferably, the nicotine particles comprise an amino acid. Preferably, the amino acid may be leucine, such as L-leucine. Providing an amino acid such as L-leucine to particles comprising nicotine may reduce the adhesion of particles comprising nicotine and may reduce the attractive forces between nicotine particles and thus reduce agglomeration of nicotine particles. Similarly, adhesion to particles comprising the flavour may also be reduced, thereby also reducing agglomeration of nicotine particles with flavour particles. Thus, even when nicotine particles are combined with flavor particles, the powder systems described herein can be free-flowing materials and each powder component has a stable relative particle size.

Preferably, the nicotine may be a surface modified nicotine salt, wherein the nicotine salt particles comprise coated or composite particles. A preferred coating or composite material may be L-leucine. One particularly suitable nicotine particle may be L-leucine-bound nicotine bitartrate.

The powder system may comprise a population of flavour particles. The flavour particles may have any particle size distribution suitable for inhalation selective delivery into the mouth or buccal cavity of a user.

The powder system may include at least about 40 wt%, or at least about 60 wt%, or at least about 80 wt% of the population of flavor particles of the powder system in particles having a particle size of about 20 microns or greater. The powder system may include at least about 40 wt%, or at least about 60 wt%, or at least about 80 wt% of the population of flavor particles of the powder system in particles having a particle size of about 50 microns or greater. The powder system may include at least about 40 wt%, or at least about 60 wt%, or at least about 80 wt% of the population of flavor particles of the powder system in particles having a particle size in the range of about 50 microns to about 150 microns.

Particles comprising perfume may contain compounds for reducing adhesion or surface energy and the resulting agglomeration. The perfume particle may be surface modified with an adhesion-reducing compound to form a coated perfume particle. One preferred adhesion-reducing compound may be magnesium stearate. Providing the perfume particles with a compound that reduces adhesion, such as magnesium stearate, particularly coating the perfume particles, may reduce the adhesion of the particles comprising the perfume and may reduce the attractive forces between the perfume particles, and thus reduce agglomeration of the perfume particles. Thus, agglomeration of the flavour particles with the nicotine particles may also be reduced. Thus, the powder systems described herein may possess a stable relative particle size of particles comprising nicotine and particles comprising a flavorant even when the nicotine particles are combined with the flavorant particles. Preferably, the powder system is free flowing.

Conventional formulations for dry powder inhalation contain carrier particles to augment fluidization of the active particles, as the active particles may be too small to be affected by the simple airflow through the inhaler. The powder system may include carrier particles. These carrier particles may be sugars, such as lactose or mannitol, which may have a particle size greater than about 50 microns. The carrier particles can be used to improve dose uniformity by acting as a diluent or bulking agent in the formulation.

The powder systems used in connection with the nicotine powder delivery systems described herein may be free of carriers or substantially free of sugars such as lactose or mannitol. The absence of a carrier or substantially absence of a sugar such as lactose or mannitol may allow nicotine to be inhaled and delivered into the lungs of a user at an inhalation rate or airflow rate similar to that of typical smoking means.

The nicotine particles and the flavour may be combined in a single capsule. As described above, the nicotine particles and the flavor may each have reduced adhesion, resulting in a stable particulate formulation, wherein the particle size of each component does not substantially change when combined. Or the powder system comprises nicotine particles contained in a single capsule and flavor particles contained in a second capsule.

The nicotine and flavor particles can be combined in any useful relative amount such that the flavor particles are noticeable to the user when consumed with the nicotine particles. Preferably, the nicotine and flavor particles form at least about 90% wt, or at least about 95% wt, or at least about 99% wt, or 100% wt of the total weight of the powder system.

The inhaler and inhaler system may be less complex than conventional dry powder inhalers and have a simplified airflow path. Advantageously, rotation of the capsule within the inhaler body atomizes the nicotine particles or powder system and can help maintain a free flowing powder. Thus, the inhaler article may not require the higher inhalation rates typically utilized by conventional inhalers to deliver the nicotine particles described above deeply into the lungs.

The inhaler article may use a flow rate of less than about 5L per minute, or less than about 3L per minute, or less than about 2L per minute, or about 1.6L per minute. Preferably, the flow rate may be in the range of about 1L per minute to about 3L per minute, or in the range of about 1.5L per minute to about 2.5L per minute. Preferably, the inhalation rate or flow rate may be similar to the rate of Canadian health department (HEALTH CANADA) smoking regimen, i.e., about 1.6L per minute.

The consumer may use the inhaler system as a conventional cigarette or a throughput electronic cigarette. Such smoking or e-cigarettes may be characterized by two steps: a first step in which a small amount containing the entire amount of nicotine desired by the consumer is drawn into the oral cavity; this is followed by a second step in which the small amount containing the aerosol comprising the desired amount of nicotine is further diluted by fresh air and inhaled deeper into the lungs. Both steps are controlled by the consumer. During the first inhalation step, the consumer may determine the amount of nicotine to be inhaled. During the second step, the consumer may determine an amount to dilute the first amount to inhale deeper into the lung, thereby maximizing the concentration of the active agent delivered to the airway epithelial surface. This smoking mechanism is sometimes referred to as "puff-inhale-exhale".

All scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "or" is generally employed in its sense of "comprising" and/or "unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein, "having," "including," "comprising," and the like are used in their open sense and generally mean "including (but not limited to)". It is to be understood that "consisting essentially of … …", "consisting of … …", and the like fall under "including" and the like.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may be preferred under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary inhaler system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary inhaler system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler article;

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler article received in the sleeve shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary sleeve;

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary sleeve;

fig. 7-10 are schematic cross-sectional views of exemplary vortex tunnels having one to four tangential air inlets.

Detailed Description

The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale and are presented for illustrative, non-limiting purposes. The figures depict one or more aspects described in the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not depicted in the drawings fall within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary inhaler system 100. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary inhaler system 100 of fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler article 150. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary inhaler article 150 received in the sleeve 120 shown in fig. 2.

The inhaler system 100 comprises an inhaler product 150 and a separate holder 110. The inhaler product 150 may be received within the holder 110 to activate or pierce a capsule 160 disposed within the inhaler product 150. The inhaler product 150 is held in the holder 110 during use by the consumer. The holder 110 is configured to form or introduce a swirling inhalation airflow into the received inhaler product 150.

The inhaler system 100 comprises an inhaler product 150 and a holder 110. The inhaler article 150 comprises a body 151 extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis L _A from a mouth end 154 to a distal end 156, and a capsule 160 disposed within the inhaler article body 151. The holder 110 comprises a movable sleeve 120 holding an inhaler product 150 received in a sleeve cavity 122.

The holder 110 for the inhaler product 150 comprises a housing 111 comprising a housing cavity 112 for receiving the inhaler product 150 and a sleeve 120 configured to hold the inhaler product 150 within the housing cavity 112. The sleeve 120 defines a sleeve cavity 122 and is movable within the housing cavity 112 along a longitudinal axis L _A of the housing 111. The sleeve 120 includes a first open end 124 and a second opposite end 126. The second opposite end 126 of the sleeve 120 is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity 122. The second opposite end 126 of the sleeve 120 is configured to create or induce a vortex in the air entering the sleeve cavity 122.

The retainer 110 may include a piercing element 101 secured to and extending from the housing interior surface 109. The piercing element 101 may be configured to extend through the second opposing end 126 of the sleeve 120 and into the sleeve cavity 122 along the longitudinal axis of the housing 111. The retainer 110 may include a spring element 102 configured to bias the sleeve 120 away from the piercing element 101.

The sleeve 120 may include an elongated slot 128 (see fig. 5) extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeve 120. The housing 111 may also include pins 127 extending from the inner surface 109 of the housing cavity 112. The pin 127 may be configured to mate with the elongated slot 128.

The inhaler article 150 comprises a body 151 extending along an inhaler longitudinal axis L _A from a mouth end 154 to a distal end 156. A capsule cavity 155 is provided within the body 151 and is bounded downstream by a filter element 157 and bounded upstream by an open tubular element 153 defining a central passage 152. The central channel 152 forms an open air inlet aperture extending from the distal end 156 of the body to the capsule cavity 155. A capsule 160 is disposed within the capsule cavity 155. The central passage 152 has a smaller diameter than the capsule 160.

As shown with reference to fig. 4 and 5, the central channel 152 and the open tubular element 153 of the inhaler product 150 are aligned and cooperate with the central channel 132 of the sleeve tubular element 130.

The intake air inlet 138 enters the sleeve tubular element 130 at a tangent to the sleeve tubular element 130 and forms a swirling intake air flow to the central channel 152 and the opening tubular element 153 of the received inhaler product 150. The swirling inhalation airflow flows downstream of the capsule cavity along the central channel 152 and the open tubular element 153 of the received inhaler product 150 to cause the capsule to spin and release particles into the inhalation airflow.

The sleeve 120 defines a first air inlet zone 170 that includes at least one air aperture 129 through the sleeve 120. The first air inlet region 170 is proximate the first open end 124 of the sleeve 120. The first air inlet region 170 is configured to allow air to flow to an air flow channel formed between the sleeve 120 and the housing 111. The sleeve includes a second air inlet zone 180 downstream of the first air inlet zone 170. The second air inlet region 180, including the second opposite end 126 of the sleeve 120, is configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity 122. The second air inlet zone 180 includes at least one air aperture or air inlet 138 through the sleeve 120 and into the sleeve tubular member 130 having the central passage 132.

Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary sleeve 120. The second opposite end 126 of the sleeve 120 includes a sleeve tubular member 130 defining a central passage 132, an end face 136, and an open end 134. The central passage 132 is in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity 122. The sleeve tubular member 130, the open end 132, may extend into the sleeve cavity 122. The sleeve tubular member 130 includes at least one air inlet 138 that allows air to enter the central passage 132. At least one air inlet 138 extends in a direction tangential to the central passage 132.

The distal end 156 of the inhaler article 150 may be slid onto the sleeve tubular element 130. The intake air inlet 138 enters the sleeve tubular element 130 at a tangent to the central passage 132 and forms a swirling intake air flow to the central passage 152 and the opening tubular element 153 of the received inhaler product 150. The swirling inhalation airflow flows downstream of the capsule cavity along the central channel 152 and the open tubular element 153 of the received inhaler product 150 to cause the capsule to spin and release particles into the inhalation airflow.

The sleeve tubular element 130 may extend into the sleeve cavity 122 and form an annular recess 131, wherein the sleeve cavity 122 is configured to receive a distal end 156 of the inhaler product 150. The protrusion formed by the sleeve tubular element 130 slides into the open tubular element 153 of the inhaler product 150. The sleeve tubular element 130 is herein configured to extend into the distal end 156 of the inhaler product 150 received within the sleeve cavity 122.

The sleeve tubular member 130 may extend into the sleeve lumen 122 about 5mm and have an outer diameter of about 5.5mm and an inner diameter of about 4 mm. The central channel 152 and the open tubular element 153 of the received inhaler product 150 may have an inner diameter of about 5.5mm to provide an interference fit with the sleeve tubular element 130 and the annular recess 131.

Fig. 7-10 are schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary sleeve tubular member 130 having a central passage 132 with one to four tangential air inlets 138. The inner diameter of the sleeve tubular element 130 may be about 4mm. Fig. 7 shows a single tangential air inlet 138 having a diameter of about 1.45 mm. Fig. 8 shows two tangential air inlets 138, each having a diameter of about 1mm and entering the sleeve tubular member 130 at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. Fig. 9 shows three tangential air inlets 138, each having a diameter of about 0.85mm and entering the sleeve tubular member 130 at an angle of 120 degrees to each other. Fig. 10 shows four tangential air inlets 138, each having a diameter of about 0.6mm and entering the sleeve tubular member 130 at an angle of 90 degrees to each other.

Claims

1. A holder for an inhaler product, comprising:

a housing comprising a housing cavity for receiving an inhaler product;

A sleeve configured to retain an inhaler product within the housing cavity, the sleeve being movable within the housing cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing, the sleeve comprising:

a sleeve cavity;

a first open end and a second opposite end, the first open end configured to receive an inhaler product;

The second opposite end of the sleeve includes:

a tubular member extending into the sleeve cavity and having a central passage in fluid communication with the sleeve cavity, the tubular member including an outer surface having an outer diameter facing an inner surface of the sleeve, the tubular member forming an annular recess, wherein

The sleeve cavity is configured to receive a distal end of an inhaler product, and

At least one air inlet;

Wherein the at least one air inlet extends in a direction tangential to the central passage to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity and induce a swirling airflow pattern on the air entering the sleeve cavity.

2. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1, wherein the tubular element comprises at least two air inlets extending in a direction tangential to the central passage to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity and induce a swirling airflow pattern on the air entering the sleeve cavity.

3. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular recess is configured to hold a distal end of an inhaler product.

4. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular element is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing.

5. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular element is configured to extend into a distal end of an inhaler product received within the sleeve cavity.

6. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a piercing element secured to and extending from the housing inner surface, the piercing element being configured to extend through the second opposite end of the sleeve and into the sleeve cavity along a longitudinal axis of the housing.

7. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 6, further comprising a spring element configured to bias the sleeve away from the piercing element.

8. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein substantially all of the inhaled air enters the tubular element in a direction tangential to the central channel.

9. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve comprises an elongate slot extending along a longitudinal length of the sleeve, and the housing further comprises a pin extending from an inner surface of the housing cavity, the pin being configured to mate with the elongate slot.

10. A holder for an inhaler product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve defines a first air inlet zone comprising at least one air aperture through the sleeve, the first air inlet zone being proximate the first open end of the sleeve, the first air inlet zone being configured to allow air to flow to an airflow channel formed between the sleeve and the housing, and the sleeve comprising a second air inlet zone downstream of the first air inlet zone, the second air inlet zone comprising the second opposite end of the sleeve, the second opposite end being configured to allow air to enter the sleeve cavity.

11. An inhaler system comprising:

An inhaler article comprising a body extending along a longitudinal axis of the inhaler from a mouth end to a distal end and a capsule disposed within the body of the inhaler article; and

A holder for an inhaler product according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sleeve holds the inhaler product received in the sleeve cavity.

12. The inhaler system according to claim 11, wherein the capsule is retained within a capsule cavity and is configured to receive a swirling inhalation airflow created by the second opposite end of the sleeve, the capsule cavity being defined downstream by a filter element and upstream by an open tubular element of an inhaler product.

13. The inhaler system according to claim 12, wherein the open tubular element of inhaler product mates with the second opposite end of the sleeve comprising the tubular element.

14. The inhaler system according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mouth end of the inhaler product forms the mouth end of the inhaler system.